Sunderland star John O’Shea has confirmed he will go into the “scary, daunting but exciting” world of football management when his playing career ends.

While the Irishman admits he was “fortunate” to be schooled by Sir Alex Ferguson, and would be “doing something wrong” if he hasn’t learned from the likes of David Moyes, Martin O’Neill and Sam Allardyce.

O’Shea is 35, and in the last year of his contract at the Stadium of Light.

Though back in the starting line-up when the Black Cats last played, at home to West Bromwich Albion last Saturday, the defender is no longer first-choice for the Republic of Ireland.

He considered international retirement following the summer’s European Championships, when after captaining his country in their opening two Group E games against Sweden and Belgium, he and central defensive partner Ciaran Clark were replaced by Richard Keogh and Shane Duffy.

Yet while he opted to play on because “mind, body and soul were all good”, O’Shea has started his coaching education - he is currently studying the UEFA A-Licence, and plans to progress to the Pro-Licence - and is keen to one day put it to good use.

“I was fortunate that for a large chunk of my career I just had one voice,” he told the Irish Independent, referring to Ferguson.

“The last few years there have been different voices, different ideas. Every manager, whether it’s Martin O’Neill, Sam Allardyce, Dick Advocaat, David Moyes, if I’m not learning from them, I’m doing something wrong.”

Thinking back to the summer, and the decision to continue playing for the Republic, O’Shea said: “I just thought that mind, body and soul were all good so there was no point stopping doing something that I love doing.

“Of course it was (difficult when he was dropped). For the previous 114 games I’d played when I had been available. So in that sense, it was very difficult but, look, that’s the manager’s prerogative. You have to get behind the lads.

“I’d hate to be the type of player that is seen to be sulking and upsetting the camp. You’re in that competition mode, it’s a short spell, so get behind everyone.”

Looking ahead, he added: “Who knows?

“In a few years’ time, I could be chilling in Waterford not doing anything. Or go out and join Dunny (Richard Dunne) in Monaco (to where he has retired).

“But no, I definitely feel like I’d want to get involved in football.

“It would be nice to have a definite idea. If you’re going to get a job straight away, if an opportunity comes up should you go for it or whether you would take a youth team job?

“I’ll finish my A-Licence now and then the next thing will be the Pro-Licence. It’s just about being ready.

“You look at the last week and the teams that have changed managers so quickly. You know how difficult it is.

“Personally you just hope you’d have a bit to offer. It’s scary, it’s daunting but also exciting too. A new venture, a new career path maybe.”